Finding premises and conclusions is easier when the writer leaves signposts. These signposts are called indicator words.
Key idea
Conclusion indicators come before a conclusion: therefore, so, thus, hence, consequently, it follows that. Premise indicators come before a premise: because, since, for, given that, after all.
Why it works
Indicator words show the direction of support. "The road is icy, so drive slowly" and "Drive slowly, because the road is icy" say the same thing in two orders; the word tells you which claim supports which.
Worked example: Follow the signpost
"Since the store is closed, we will buy bread tomorrow."
- "Since" is a premise indicator, so "the store is closed" is a premise.
- The other claim, "we will buy bread tomorrow", is the conclusion.
Answer: Conclusion: "We will buy bread tomorrow."
Common mistake
Trusting the word without reading the sentence. Indicator words have other jobs: "We have been friends since second grade" is about time, "I was so tired" means very, and "a gift for Mom" says who it is for. Quick check: swap in "because" or "therefore". If the sentence stops making sense, the word is not an indicator there.
Worked example: Not an indicator
"I was so hungry after practice." Is "so" a conclusion indicator here?
- Swap in "therefore": "I was therefore hungry after practice." The meaning changes.
- Here "so" means "very". No conclusion is being drawn.
Answer: No, it is not an indicator here.
Many arguments have no indicator words at all. Then go back to the main test: which claim do the others support?